Jan 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) tackles Stanford Cardinal running back Tyler Gaffney (25) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
We are now just ninety-nine days from the start of the 2014 College Football season and the first year of the College Football Playoff. In some cases it would just be the start of the season that would be getting me excited, but add the playoff to the mix and I’m ready to go. It looks like the folks over at ESPN are as well taking a look at the best non-conference matchups. ESPN Blogger Chantel Jennings says the best involves the Oregon Ducks and the Michigan State Spartans and I agree.
The winner of this game will have a solid leg up early in the season for a shot at the Playoffs. Oregon Ducks Quarterback Marcus Mariota and Rose Bowl MVP Quarterback Michigan State’s Connor Cook will look to throw it around inside Autzen Stadium in Week 2, but it will likely be the Defensive effort that decides this game. The Spartans have Defensive Lineman of the Year Shalique Calhoun returning and of course the Oregon Ducks have experience at the Cornerback position with Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and along the line as well with Defensive End Tony Washington.
ESPN Blogger Kevin Gemell sees UCLA and Texas as the best non-conference matchup, and of course the Oregon Ducks meets the UCLA Bruins this season in Los Angeles – that will certainly also be must see television in the Pac-12 Conference in 2014. There is of course plenty to get excited about and we’ll get to all of it. For now the narrative is at the beginning. To rewind even farther Oregon faces South Dakota to start the 2014 season. The key to the Oregon Ducks season is not getting caught looking ahead.
We are ninety-nine days from that date. The Oregon Ducks and South Dakota kickoff on August 30th inside Autzen Stadium. Gametime is yet to be announced.
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